'Cops' Moves to Spike TV After 25-Year Run on FOX

As the broadcast network cancels the documentary/reality legal series, the cable channel picks up the show for a 22-episode new season.

"Cops" is relocating to a new home after 25 seasons on FOX. The documentary/reality legal series will move to Spike TV starting this fall as the original network, which aired the show since its first season in 1989, doesn't pick up the show for a new season.

" 'Cops' is a remarkable series that has been able to sustain strong ratings well into its third decade, a monumental achievement in television," says Spike president Kevin Kay. "As we continue to grow and expand our audience, new episodes of Cops, with its loyal audience of adults 18-49, is the perfect addition to our primetime lineup on Saturday nights."

The show's executive producer John Langley tells TV Guide, "FOX is changing its programming strategy. So I was happy to find a new home with Spike. It matches our demo and it's an aggressive cable network. It's appointment viewing and people know we're on Saturday nights. They just have to turn the dial a little bit."

Spike TV has ordered 22 new episodes of "Cops" which will premiere its 26th season in September. The cable network has also acquired the rights to air repeats of some older "Cops" episodes.

"Cops" was a consistent performer for FOX on its Saturday slot, but a renewal from the network wasn't expected. Back in May 2011, another long-running show on FOX, "America's Most Wanted", moved to Lifetime though it has now been canceled.